It’s the kind of milestone Carson City can be proud of. One that cements a benchmark for longevity and necessary care for our disabled community members. on Saturday, locals joined in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Eagle Valley Children’s Home.
With plenty of smiles, hugs and memories to go around from dozens of families, friends, staff and supporters, Eagle Valley Children’s Home celebrated eight decades of service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Eagle Valley Children’s Home is a not-for-profit organization that exists to support programs providing the highest quality service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services include a residential program at Eagle Valley Children’s Home and a respite program provided in the family’s home. Eagle Valley Children’s Home was opened in 1946 in Carson City.
Heart, Hope, Home
Former executive director Beverly Hennen, came to Eagle Valley Children’s Home in 1990 and worked in the respite program for a few years and then worked in the residential program, becoming the executive director in 2014 and retiring in 2019 after being at Eagle Valley for more than 28 years.
When she retired, one client, Anthony, who came to live at Eagle Valley Children’s Home in 2016, needed a legal guardian. Having developed a close relationship with Anthony, she became his legal guardian when she retired.
Eagle Valley Children’s Home is special because of the quality of care given to all clients, said Hennen.
“For the people who have worked here, it has been more than the job. A lot of them who have worked here over the years are back here today just to celebrate. They get to know the client so intimately because they perform such direct care that is private. They are really tied to the clients who live here and they want to be part of the mission of taking care of people with disabilities.”
She said the idea of “Heart, Hope, Home” really sums up what Eagle Valley Children’s Home is about.
“We have a lot of organizations and a lot of people in this community who care about this place. Some of our board of directors have been here from the beginning when the home was established and connections were built. And they have a connection to this place that is really strong. Without those deep roots in the community, we may not have been here this long.”
Eagle Valley Children’s Home Executive Director Donna Clarke has been the team leader for seven years and has been with the organization for 32 years.
The “celebration of 80 years is so meaningful to us and our great community. It is an amazing feat and it really shows in the quality of care we bring. We are so good with our clients. They thrive here,” she said. “We’re very fortunate. We have great staff here.”
Of the total staff there are 88 members, with many involved in the respite program where staff does outreach into the community and helps families and individuals with respite care.
“We have great nurses and doctors in the community. They are just amazing,” she said. “I welcome people to come here and visit, see our website and see what we do. We are always looking for more staff to come in and join us. Once you get here you’re family and don’t leave,” she said, pointing to their director of nursing, Johanna Strande, who has been at Eagle Valley Children’s Home for 42 years.
In 1976, Eagle Valley Children’s Home became a fully accredited intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Eagle Valley Children’s Home is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, is licensed by the State of Nevada and operates under the regulations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
80 Years: A Sweet Celebration Anniversary Gala happening Oct. 17
The celebration continues on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the inaugural “Heart, Hope Home: 80 Years — A Sweet Celebration Gala” where Eagle Valley Children’s Home will honor its past, celebrate its present and invest in its future.
The special evening will bring together supporters, families and community leaders to mark eight decades of compassionate care. Proceeds and sponsorships help preserve their programs, strengthen families and ensure Eagle Valley Children’s Home continues to provide stability, belonging and support for generations to come.
Proceeds from the evening will support the preservation of Eagle Valley Children’s Home programs, the families they serve, their historic campus and the broader community that extends far beyond its walls.
Sponsorship support directly sustains the place residents call home, strengthens families who depend on their services and preserves a legacy of compassionate care. The evening is a celebration as well as an opportunity to shape the next 80 years — ensuring that lives are supported, families are not alone and our community continues to stand strong for individuals with disabilities for generations to come.
Go here for more information, to become a sponsor or to attend.
